Nestled at the heart of the Guelph Country Club’s patio stands a living piece of local history, a magnificent Bitternut Hickory that has watched over the course and its community for more than a century. With a trunk measuring over one metre in diameter and a canopy that has shaded generations of golfers and guests, this remarkable tree has been named Guelph Tree Trust’s 2025 Tree of the Year.
A Legacy Rooted in 1912
According to nominee Rhea Kock, the Guelph Country Club Golf Course was established in 1912, the very same year this Bitternut Hickory is believed to have been planted. Beloved by members, this tree has quietly become part of the Club’s identity — a steadfast witness to its history, growth, and sense of community.
Beyond its beauty, the Bitternut Hickory plays an important ecological role. Its branches provide shelter for birds and small mammals, contributing to the rich biodiversity that thrives within the Club’s landscape.
Honouring a Remarkable Tree
Chosen by three distinguished judges, the Bitternut Hickory was recognized for its impressive stature, age, and significance within one of Guelph’s most historic settings. As one judge noted, “It is a lovely and notable tree in one of Guelph’s historic landscapes.”
The Guelph Country Club itself holds deep roots in local heritage, introducing residents to the game of golf and providing a remarkable nature-retreat. Through all the changes that have come since, this resilient tree has remained, providing shelter, beauty, and a living connection to Guelph’s natural and cultural history.
Seeds taken form the parent Bitternut Hickory.
Protecting the Legacy
Tree Trust Guelph looks forward to working with the Guelph Country Club to ensure this legacy tree continues to thrive for generations to come. Through ongoing care and community support, the Bitternut Hickory will continue to serve as a symbol of endurance, connection, and the quiet power of nature in our shared spaces.
As Tree Trust celebrates this year’s Tree of the Year, we invite everyone to notice and appreciate the heritage trees in their own neighbourhoods — the silent witnesses that tell the story of our communities.
For more information, please contact Catherine Goddard, Chapter Manager, at [email protected]
